Hypnobirth Tip #9: Your Birthing Choices

Coached pushing

Coached pushing is when nurses or other caregivers can get quite enthusiastic about the Second stage of the birthing time and begin to direct it in loud, athletic tones, admonishing the mother to push as hard and long as she can, holding her breath while they count to 10 over and over, usually after putting the back of the bed down all the way so that the mother is actually pushing uphill.

Benefits: If the baby is at risk during the pushing stage, all efforts must be made to get it out quickly and this may help.

Risks: "Purple Pushing" will have the effect of actually closing off the Birth Path due to tension, and wear the mother out. Amazingly, a mother doesn't actually have to push much to get the baby out; the uterus will do the work well on its own. Each woman should do what her body tells her to do. Push gently with the surges, and relax fully in between.

"Purple pushing" also increases the risk of injury to the perineum.

In addition, between full dilation and actually feeling the urge to push there is often a resting phase. To tell a woman when she must push, especially if she does not feel the urge immediately, can lead to many problems. Breath-holding, it has been shown in studies, leads to lowered umbilical artery pH, abnormal changes in fetal heart rate and lower Apgar scores.

Alternatives: Make sure your caregivers know that you are pushing in a completely mother-directed way, thank them for their help, but ask for some time alone to get into your own rhythm. If you want to avoid tearing, push gently, or "breathe the baby out."

More on Pushing:
• Pushing
• Reconsideration of "Purple Pushing" Urged

Disclaimer: Hypnobabies Network, and Kerry Tuschhoff assume no responsibility or liability for the outcome of any pregnancy, labor, or birth. The content of the above information is in no way to be represented as medical advice, nor as a prescription for medical procedure. As always, you should seek the advice of a medical doctor or midwife to answer any health-related or pregnancy-related issues surrounding your pregnancy, labor and delivery, or before starting any new pregnancy-related program.

More Hypno-Birth tips...
Tip #1: Getting Started
Tip #2: Your Bubble of Peace
Tip #3: Why Create a Birth Plan?
Tip #4: A Sample Birth Plan
Tip #5: Laboring at Home
Tip #6: Do I need a Doula?
Tip #7: What to do in Early Labor
Tip #8: Getting everything You Want
Tip #9: Birthing Choices

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